GERMANY DREAM DRIVE

Automobile enthusiasts know that some of the most challenging driving environments in the world can be found in Germany. It is here that Jaguar Land Rover does a significant level of development work on its vehicles, especially in chassis development, steering and braking. Since 2003, Jaguar Land Rover has operated a Test Facility at the Nurburgring, one of the most famous and most challenging race tracks ever conceived, writes Stuart Schorr, Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs, Jaguar Land Rover North America.

The track is 21 KM long, features elevation changes, rough and smooth roads, long straight‑aways, the carousel (a mid‑course elevated bank) and tricky chicanes. The testing process also includes the local roads and highways, also excellent driving roads. Today, we drove the Nurburgring Nordschleife in the top high‑performance MY 12 Jaguars: The 510‑hp, XFR, the 510‑hp XJ Supersport, and the all‑new 550‑hp XKR‑S.

Leading the pace along with the top shelf driving instructors was Jaguar Land Rover's Global Head of Communications Frank Klaas, a highly experienced Nordschleife driver with years of competitive experience at the legendary track. Special guest Jay Leno joined the group for his first Nurburgring experience. In end of the day Instructor Hot Laps, Mr. Klaas gave drives in an XJ Supersport, demonstrating the vehicle's multi‑dimensional capability under high‑performance driving.

For many in our group it was their first time driving on the Nurburgring. The overwhelming reaction was that its one of the most enjoyable tracks to drive on due to its length and diverse elements. It's known as one of the great tracks in the world, and for good reason.